What Does Brown Spotting When Wiping Mean If My Period Is Late?

When you see brown spotting on your underwear or when you wipe, it is usually old blood. This happens because the blood has been in your uterus long enough to change color from red to brown (due to normal chemical reactions). Brown blood is common just before or after your period as your hormone levels change. In many cases, this can be a normal part of how your body works. Spotting can sometimes be due to other causes like vaginal irritation due to trauma (typically after sex), pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, or issues like endometriosis. If your spotting is light and you don't have other worrisome symptoms like severe pain, it is usually nothing to worry about. It is always a good idea to keep track of your cycle, and if you notice changes that make you uncomfortable or if the spotting continues, talking with a healthcare provider can help you understand what’s happening and decide if any further testing is needed.